Catching and Throwing - Lesson 3

In the third lesson of the Reception Catching & Throwing series from Striver Lesson Plans, young pupils are introduced to the fundamentals of handling a moving ball. The learning objectives are clear: children will learn to underarm throw, catch a rolling ball, and manage a ball that bounces. To achieve these goals, the lesson sets out success criteria which include the ability to roll and stop a ball continuously, to throw and catch without interruption, and to bounce a ball and then catch it. Key vocabulary terms such as 'rolling', 'catching', 'stopping', and 'bouncing' are emphasised, along with 'bending knees', 'aiming', and 'control', to ensure that pupils understand the actions they are performing. To facilitate the lesson, equipment such as cones, large and tennis balls, and hoops are required.

The lesson is structured into three main segments. It begins with a warm-up where pupils move around in various ways, such as jogging and skipping, and respond to commands by forming shapes with their arms. This activity is designed to improve coordination and spatial awareness. The main part of the lesson, which lasts for 30 minutes, is divided into two activities: 'Roller-Ball' and 'Bouncy Ball'. In 'Roller-Ball', pupils work in pairs, progressing from sitting to kneeling to standing, as they roll a ball to each other and learn to control it with their hands. In 'Bouncy Ball', they continue to work in pairs, first practicing bouncing and catching the ball individually, then bouncing it to their partner using an overarm throw. The lesson concludes with a cool-down activity called 'Follow the Leader', where pupils mimic the movements of the teacher or a fellow pupil leading the group. This lesson plan is designed to develop young students' motor skills in a fun and engaging way.